Director of Major Gifts - Jacksonville Symphony

Position Title: Director of Major Gifts

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Vice President & ChiefAdvancement Officer

Position Summary:

The Jacksonville Symphony Advancement Department raises fundsthrough donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, thepublic sector, and special events to support artistic andeducational programming and general operating expenses. TheDirector of Major Gifts will be responsible for increasing majorgifts from both individual donors and corporate sponsors, on alocal, regional, and national level. The Major Gifts Officer willwork to increase support by cultivating and stewarding effectiverelationships by maintaining an active fundraising schedule thatincludes strategic visits, and ongoing cultivation andsolicitation. They will maintain a portfolio of current andpotential donors, with six-figure plus capacity, excluding boardand honorary board members. The Director will also prepareproposals, grants, sponsorship agreements, make solicitations andcomplete all necessary follow-up to secure support. This positionrequires excellent interpersonal skills, data-driven portfoliomanagement, and the demonstrated ability to meet fundraising goals.The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, well-organized andpossess a sales mentality.  Knowledge of customer relationshipdatabases and appreciation for music is a plus.

Responsibilities:

• Work to increase support by cultivating and stewardingeffective relationships through face-to-face meetings and regularcommunication.  Actively manage a portfolio averaging 100major individual and institutional donors and prospects with anemphasis on securing new gifts through timely and strategicaction.
• Develop and pitch major gift proposals for individual andinstitutional donors giving $10,000 or more annually. Identify,cultivate, and solicit major gifts supporting annual fund, eventsponsorship, capital, and endowment campaigns.
• Create a pipeline for new major support from individuals andinstitutions by identifying, researching, and soliciting.
• Ensure excellent customer-focused service and benefitfulfillment; attend concerts, engagement activities, and communityevents.
• Pull reports to track progress on revenue goals and reviewportfolio next steps on a regular basis. 
• Record donor touchpoints and update donor plans in customerrelationship database.
• Performs other responsibilities as requested or assigned bymanagement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree preferred or related experience.
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising/development andcommunications with a minimum of three years’ experience.
• Track record of securing major gifts of $10,000 or more fromindividuals and institutions.
• A self-starter driven by results.
• Ability to set goals strategically and oversee execution.Organized, prepared, detailed-oriented.
• Proven ability to interact and influence philanthropic andbusiness leaders.
• High level of discretion and ethical approach tofundraising.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationshipsthroughout the organization and with external constituencies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentationskills compelling desired action.
• Sense of humor
• Proficiency in database management, Microsoft Office Suite, andother computer skills.
• Knowledge of customer relationship databases and appreciationfor music is a plus.

The Jacksonville Symphony offers a competitive salary. Thisposition is eligible for full benefits including medical, vision,life insurance, long-term disability, and a 403(b)-retirementplan.

About the Jacksonville Symphony:

Our mission is to enrich the human spirit throughsymphonic music.

As we enter our 75th Season, the Jacksonville Symphony hasbrought exceptional, enthralling music to listeners in thecommunity, across Florida and far beyond. Courtney Lewis, MusicDirector, takes his step on the conductor’s podium for his tenthseason to lead some of the world’s finest musicians in performancesthat continue to reach new levels of artistic excellence. As one ofNortheast Florida’s most revered cultural institutions, theSymphony is committed to bringing the legacy of classical, pops andother genres of music to life.

Led by President and CEO Steven Libman, theJacksonville Symphony reaches over 130,000 adults through over 90performances every season in its acousticallysuperior home of Jacoby Symphony Hall and in venues throughout thestate of Florida. Founded in 1949, the Symphony now enjoys anational, distinguished reputation.

In its commitment to making a difference through music, theSymphony is a crucial leader in the community for introducing thejoy of music to families through several programs that foster musiceducation. The Symphony believes every child should have access tomusic education and serves 10 county school districts and over70,000 students while offering free tickets to children under theage of 18 for selected Florida BlueClassical concerts. Its Jacksonville Symphony YouthOrchestras (JSYO) also serve more than 200 talented musicians fromall over Northeast Florida. The six levels of ensembles within JSYOfulfill the needs of all musicians with individualized,ability-specific instruction so students can improve their skillsand maintain the highest standards of performing.

Continuing with its core belief that music is forall, the Symphony kicks off the season with two communityconcerts that are free to the public, so everyone can experiencethe awe and joy of a live, symphonic performance. Ensembles alsotour across the region to bring the joy of music to smallervenues. As a pioneer of Diversity, Equity and Inclusioninitiatives, the Symphony further builds upon its robust, strategicplan for DEI growth, making symphonic music reflective of andaccessible to the communities it serves.

The Symphony’s performance home, Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall,is an acoustic gem and offers an intimate and acoustically superiorconcert experience. Over the years, the Jacksonville Symphony hashosted some of the most dynamic and esteemed artistsof the music world including Isaac Stern, BennyGoodman, Duke Ellington, Marilyn Horne, Luciano Pavarotti, ItzhakPerlman, Kathleen Battle, Mstislav Rostopovich, Audra McDonald,Joshua Bell, Lang Lang, Alisa Weilerstein, Branford Marsalis, RenéeFleming and Jean-Yves Thibaut.

The Jacksonville Symphony is a proud member of the League ofAmerican Orchestras, the Sphinx Organization’s National Alliancefor Audition Support and the Jacksonville Chamber ofCommerce.

All parts of this mission come together to create a Symphonythat enriches, uplifts, and inspires lives. For more informationabout the Jacksonville Symphony, please like us on Facebook andfollow us on YouTube, X and Instagram.

To Apply: 

To apply for this position, please submit in PDF format a resumeand cover letter describing your specific experience andqualifications to: Bryan de Boer, Vice President and ChiefAdvancement Officer at HR@jaxsymphony.org.  Nophone calls, please.

Compensation and benefits

A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package,including health insurance, 403-B matching plan, generous vacationand holiday days, parking, and complimentary concert tickets areincluded.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Jacksonville Symphony is an equal opportunity employer anddoes not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color,religion, national origin, disability, military status, sexualorientation, or any other status protected by applicable state orlocal law.